Too anxious to eat - Please help

[BunniesBunniesBunnies]

I have a lot going on in my life at the moment (not COVID related!) and I am managing fine but underneath it all I am very anxious.

When I get anxiety I cannot eat. I feel sick at the thought of food, and gag and throw up when I try to eat. Saturday I at one apple. Sunday I at some nuts and a very small amount of cheese. I’m aware this is not enough food.

I do get hunger pangs occasionally but then when I think about food I feel sick again.

I’m a healthy BMI (of 20) and so not at risk of wasting away but obviously I need to eat to survive.

Is anyone in the same position and I what gets you eating again?

Other things to note: I do manage to drink teas and coffees, and I have a very supportive husband who knows and listens. I don’t have an eating disorder and I like the way I look, it’s not about that.

Thanks all.

Hi, I understand, and have been there many times!
It's a normal symptom of anxiety, something to do with your body not wanting to run the machinery for eating as it is focussed on the fight or flight response - you wouldn't stop for a big Mac just as a hungry lion runs up to you!

Please speak to your GP, I believe many are offering phone consultations. I take a daily propanolol tablet which keeps the physical symptoms of my anxiety under control - I still worry about things of course but it suppresses this fight or flight feeling, opens up my appetite, allows me to relax etc. Your GP may well be able to get you started on this or something suitable for you over the phone. I imagine anxiety related 'appointments' must have shot up during the pandemic, understandably so!

It’s a vicious circle because the less you eat the more anxious you will feel (your brain really needs feeding to keep thinking straight ) Can you try juices and shakes maybe? I really think you need to speak to a doctor too.
Try to at least nibble through the day.

I agree it's a vicious cycle - the less you eat, the worse you feel so the less you want to eat. A bit of something to boost the blood sugar will make you feel better, I promise.

It's really good you are having tea and coffee. Can you add some sugar to it? When I feel anxious and struggle to eat, I can usually manage a biscuit dipped into my tea. It's comforting and easy to eat. I can usually manage cereal too - especially Weetabox. Anything squidgy and comforting! Complan or something like that can be good too.

Just try to eat anything you fancy, don't worry about what it is or when. The more you eat, the more you'll get a normal appetite back.

Also, don't beat yourself up about it. You're experiencing anxiety and this is a very normal symptom. Do try to get some help from your GP if you can though.

There is a lot of evidence documenting the effects of starvation on the brain, one of the biggies is loss of appetite. So you are right it is a very vicious circle that will only get worse. At the moment it doesn’t matter what you eat you just need calories. Could you manage any form of ice cream or ice lollies? (Ice cream better for packing the punch) it may sound stupid but I think the coldness of it some how distracts my brain!
The other thing that works for me is salt and vinegar crisps, the stronger the better! I guess they aren’t heavy on the stomach!
The more you eat the more you will feel able to eat. If it helps eat whilst doing something else, a packet of minstrels over a car journey for example.

Thank you all for your kind replies. I managed a slice of toast earlier today which was more than yesterday, and I didn’t throw it up again so that’s good. Still lots of gagging and general loss of appetite but as long as I can eat enough to keep me going I think I will be okay.

Thanks also for the advice to eat whilst doing something, I think that will help.

Thank you again you are all very kind.

Hi, I know this is an old post but really need some advice. I am suffering with extreme anxiety and can not eat or sleep. I’m really worried because I’m loosing weight but my gp just keeps saying appetite will return. Did anything help with you? xx